A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Belfast vs. Milan for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Belfast or Milan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Milan, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Belfast

Belfast is a authentic, affordable, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife and shopping.

Milan

Milan is a cultural, trendy, and chic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music.

Belfast and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Milan?

You'll generally find more things to do in Milan than Belfast. Milan is bigger than Belfast, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Belfast is well known for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". Milan is well known for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. Also, Milan is famous for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Belfast different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Milan and Belfast. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Belfast or Milan?

Milan is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Milan can be an interesting and educational experience. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Belfast or Milan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Milan is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Belfast or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Milan is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Is Belfast or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Belfast is not a live music destination.

Milan is a world class music destination. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Belfast is not a live music destination.

Is Belfast or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Milan offers plenty to see. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Milan?

Milan is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Milan is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Belfast or Milan Better for Families?

Belfast and Milan are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Belfast is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Milan is a family-friendly city. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.

Is Belfast or Milan Better for Couples?

Milan is a well-known place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Milan is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Belfast or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Milan. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Belfast or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Milan is a great destination for students. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

Plenty of students visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

Is Belfast or Milan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Milan can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Belfast or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Milan on foot. In particular, the city center is walkable.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

For even more information, also check out Is Belfast Worth Visiting? and Is Milan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milan or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Milan?

In either Belfast or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Milan than Belfast because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Belfast, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

Families should spend more time in Milan than Belfast. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Milan, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Milan than Belfast. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Milan that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Milan than Belfast if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Milan.

One day in Belfast or Milan?

In Belfast, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this affordable destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Because Milan is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Belfast or Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Belfast. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Because Milan is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milan has to offer.

Five days in Belfast or Milan?

Belfast is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the destination of Belfast. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Milan is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milan has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Belfast or Milan?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the authentic destination of Belfast. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milan. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Milan. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Belfast and Milan, we can see that Milan is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Belfast Expensive? and Is Milan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Belfast and Milan, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Belfast or Milan?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Belfast or Milan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Milan. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milan for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Belfast is generally much colder than Milan. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 15°C (59°F), and Milan fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Milan. In the summer, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Milan. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in July than Milan. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Milan in the Autumn?

Both Milan and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Milan in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Belfast is much colder than Milan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Milan during autumn. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Milan. In October, Belfast usually receives less rain than Milan. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Belfast or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and Belfast during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Belfast in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Milan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Milan can be very cold during winter. Belfast can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Belfast is cooler than Milan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Belfast in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Milan averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Milan. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in January than Milan. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Milan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Milan. Most visitors come to Belfast for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Milan because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Belfast is generally much colder than Milan. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 8°C (46°F), and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Milan during spring. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Belfast usually receives less rain than Milan. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Milan and Belfast